short luteal phases

AF showed up yesterday, but I had had cramping and spotting for another couple of days before that too. I came off the pill in July, Ive had 5 cycles since, and they have all been 25/26 days long, one has even been 24! Before BCP, they were normally 29/30 days. I normally ovulate on CD14, but now im a bit worried that my luteal phases are a bit too short, esp since I start spotting around 9dpo.
Given that Im still young (23) and Ive only charted 5 cycles, is it worth it to go see a Dr? Or is there anything natural, like a herbal supplement etc that can help extend my luteal phase?

Hello, Gobble-gobble, I'm interested in this topic too, and I remembered reading something on one of the sticky threads about Vitex Agnus and short luteal phases.
The thread is here.

Also found this on the Blackmores site (talks about how the herb works):
Vitex agnus castus is indicated for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (including premenstrual acne), and irregularities of the menstrual cycle. It is believed to act primarily on the pituitary-hypothalamic axis, rather than directly on the ovaries. Vitex inhibits release of follicle stimulating hormone, whilst stimulating the release of luteinising hormone. These effects result in a shift in the oestrogen and progesterone ratio in favour of the latter, and Vitex may be of assistance in cases of progesterone deficiency (relative to oestrogen).



HTH
:)

Marydean, thanks for the thread above. I have had problems with my cycles ever since DD was born 12 months ago. I had a miscarriage in May and tests results showed low progesterone and slightly high oestrogen. I have been using natural progesterone since and I think I am still having problems (or they have returned this cycle anyway). I myself have thought in the back of my mind that I needed to take another herbal based supplement and now I am going to try the vitex and b6 combo.

Once again thanks and see you in the TTC buddies thread

I had the same problem when I came off the Pill. My lp went down to 6-10days. I took 100mg of B6 everyday and that cycle was the one I fell pg on. It is also great for morning sickness. best of luck

I have only been charting for 4 months and for 3 of those my LP ranged from 9-12 days so I started taking the vitex when I AF showed up this cycle, I am taking the liquid form though, which tastes really disgusting, even in juice, like it was suggested but I just couldn't see me remembering to take the tablets 3 times a day, I am also taking EPO to try to help increase my CM, so we will see how it goes.

I dont have allot to add because my LP is 15days (when I have had drugs to get me to ovulate that is!). However one of my sisters has LP problems and my Fertility Specialist once told me that a LP of 10 days or under should be investigated if TTC.

Good Luck.